Acadia 🍁 On-Site Update + Travel Guide

This is my 4th trip to Acadia, and every visit brings a new experience! Since my family recently came to Boston for a visit, I took them to see the fall foliage a bit early—and it didn’t disappoint. As of September 29th, about 50% of the maple leaves have turned red 🍁. It’s not peak season yet, but it’s already beautiful enough to recommend a trip! 1. Sunrise Cadillac Mountain Sunrise Tickets: Tickets go on sale at 10 AM, 48 hours in advance. Unfortunately, I’ve never managed to snag one, so I can’t share first-hand tips. Many people on Xiaohongshu recommend Otter Cliff as an alternative spot for sunrise. I overslept and missed it this time, but we did catch the sunrise at Bass Harbour Lighthouse ()—it’s right outside the Airbnb we stayed at, which was super convenient! 🌅 2. Sunset Cadillac Mountain Sunset Tickets: These are much easier to get! It’s best to buy them on the official website one day in advance, and they cost $6 🎫. The rangers at the entrance strictly check that you enter the mountain at your reserved time, so make sure to leave extra time for the drive—don’t cut it too close! The sunset views here () are absolutely stunning, with the sky turning soft oranges and pinks over the ocean. 3. Hiking Trails I highly recommend the Beehive Trail! It’s moderately challenging ⚠️—the final stretch near the summit is really steep. But if you don’t feel up to the full climb, you can turn back halfway up the mountain—and even that spot offers incredible views of the coast and fall foliage. No need to push yourself to the top to enjoy the scenery! 🥾 4. Restaurants You can’t visit Maine without eating lobster 🦞! My go-to spot every time is 📍 Abel’s Lobster. Personally, I think it’s better than the crowded restaurants in Bar Harbor—and the best part? It’s cheaper and fresher. We also found a new favorite Thai restaurant this trip called Boda in Portland. If you’re passing through the area, stop by for a bite—it’s delicious! 🍜 5. Other Must-See Spots Jordan Pond: A classic Acadia check-in spot—serene waters surrounded by fall-colored trees, perfect for a casual walk. Milky Way at Bass Harbour: We took this shot right outside our Airbnb with an iPhone (no fancy equipment needed!)—the night sky here is dark enough to see the Milky Way clearly 🌌. The next 1–2 weeks will be Acadia’s most beautiful time of year, with fall foliage at its peak. Grab the chance to visit while the autumn vibe is strong—you won’t regret it! #FallFoliage #AcadiaNationalPark #Maine #MaineTravel #Lobster #Hiking #MilkyWay